July 10, 2026, minutes
The meeting was called to order at 8:35 by Commissioner Pancratz. Commissioner Goffena and Commissioner Turley were present.
Norma Trent, Theresa Doumitt and Bruce Hoiland were also present.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Turley made the motion to approve the agenda for the day to be delayed until the afternoon voting on item number 2 of the business. Commissioner Goffena seconded the motion after amendment. Motion carried.
Commissioner Goffena made the motion to approve June 26, 2026, minutes as written. Commissioner Turley seconded the motion.
Rich Durgin joined the meeting. Motion carried.
Public comment.
Bruce Hoiland had questions regarding the Wier Building and the monies spent on it so far. Project Manager Doiumitt and Commissioner Pancratz answered all questions in detail which can be heard on the Counties YouTube Chanel found on the County website. musselshellcounty.gov
Theresa Doumitt thanked the Commissioners for their support at the RCP playground dedication.
Rich Durgin asked about a post at his drive that must have been hit by the County. The Commissioners told him to talk to the Road and Bridge Supervisor on Monday.
End of public comment.
Commissioner Turley made the motion to sign the 2026-2027 Montana Wool Growers Association Predator Control Fund Memorandum of Understanding. Commissioner Goffena seconded the motion. Motion carried.
In the afternoon, Commissioner Turley made the motion to sign the Cattle Guard Installation Agreement submitted by Mary Cleveland/Scott Anderson in Section t-7-N, R-30-E, Section 17. Commissioner Goffena seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Commissioner Goffena made the motion to pay in full the $238,543 Brownfields Loan from Snowy Mountain Development Corporation for the Hazardous Material Cleanup for the Wier Building using Federal Mineral Royalty funds (no milled tax dollars will be used).” Commissioner Turley seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Commissioner Turley made the motion to sign the Contract for GPS/GIS Mapping and Addressing Service Agreement submitted by DES. Commissioner Goffena seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Musselshell County Senior Services Director Miller gave her weekly report to the Commissioners. There was a total of 520 meals served in June. The breakfast fund raiser is scheduled for the 21st.
Sheriff Lesnik gave his weekly report to the Commissioners. The RIDE event went well. The jail is empty and has been for 7 days. There was a burglary in town. After a search warrant, the property was recovered. There is an animal case going on.
County Agent Cooley gave his weekly report to the Commissioners. There were 34 people at the Range Day Event. Mr. Cooley has been doing a lot of nitrate tests. 4H camp went well. MSU is going to do a “grow program” where they place High School students at research stations.
DES Director Russell and Coordinator Rook gave their weekly report to the Commissioners. There were 52 office visits, 77 phone calls, 1 burn permit, 4 addressing/GIS activities. There were 18 calls for service = 13 wildfire responses, 3 structure fire responses and 2 motor vehicle crash responses. 3 meetings were attended.
Treasury Clerk Rayna Bartoo gave the Commissioners the cash reconciliation for June.
Community Health Worker (CHW) Littrell gave his weekly report to the Commissioners. The Veterans Center will be using the extra office once a month. Hopefully next week he will be on Mike and Bill’s morning show.
Ambulance Director Solberg met with the Commissioners with an HR issue and Discussed the Homeland Security Grant and problems with an inconsistency in the County paging systems.
Department Head meeting.
Attendees: All Commissioners, County Attorney Todd Rogers, Clerk & Recorder Tomassi, Clerk of Court Halverson, DES Director Russell and Coordinator Rook, County Agent Cooley, County Accounting Specialist (CAS) Marshall, Road and Bridge Supervisor Stockert, Weed Coordinator Newman, Treasury Clerk Bartoo (Treasurer Hetrick was absent), Refuse Supervisor Fisher and Chief Refuse Attended Porter, Community Health Worker Littrell, Ambulance Director Solberg and Sheriff Lesnik.
County Attorney Todd-Rogers reported that Musselshell County has had 8 felonies so far this year. GPS is being installed on all releases. They will be looking at security doors for the office.
Clerk & Recorder Tomassi reported that they are working on the General Election now that the Primary is over. The Salary Compensation Board is going to be meeting soon. Employee replacement ads will be going into the paper by the end of the month for the employees that are retiring.
DES Director Russell gave a quarterly report. 766 Office visits, 1160 phone calls, 98 burn permits issued or renewed, 69 addressing /GIS activities. 85 calls for service and 86 meetings/trainings/coordination activities.
Clerk of Court Halverson reported that there have been a lot of civil cases over easements.
CAS Marshal is working on final budgets.
Road and Bridge Supervisor Stockert reported Friday’s overtime working on cattle guards and culverts has been working well and freeing up the crew for road projects. They are applying for a Coal Board Grant to help with the purchase of a used dozer. They would like to continue the service contract with Stahly Engineering as they have been doing a great job. Stahly is helping the department receive the MCEP grant for the Harvey Road Bridge. They are working on permits and requirements to open 2 more gravel pits. Still looking for a new employee. They are trying a new product on high traffic roads.
Weed Coordinator Newman reported she has been doing a lot of spraying. Former Coordinator Meriel Beck will be helping this summer.
Treasury Clerk Bartoo gave the Treasurer report. Here were 288 Pending Tax Attachments for 2025 real estate. Only 1 property left on assignments that is in danger of going to Tax Deed. There will not be any Tax deeds this year. Outstanding delinquent taxes for real estate, mobile homes and personal property = $213,230.18. Home school notifications have been sent out. We have 95 home schools, 3 private schools. The total signed up is 162.
Refuse Supervisor Fisher reported the new employee is doing very well. Attended Porter said the Musselshell the burn pit will be closing.
Ambulance Director Solberg reported that the County passwords will be changing.
End of Department Head meeting.
Jody Dahl with the Jody Alise Foundation and CHW Littrell met with the Commissioners. The Commissioners appreciate the donation made from the foundation for continued work with Catalyst for Change.
Mayor Jones met with the Commissioners to discuss a Data Center in Musselshell County, Local Government center Support opportunities and if the County would be willing to go in with the city for the cost and if there is a way the County could donate some time and materials to help with the city’s portion of Number 4 Road.
Public Comment
Monty Sealy visited with the Commissioners and asked if there has been any word from the Middle Musselshell Water District? The Commissioners said no. There was a discussion about water to the airport.
(As with all Commissioners meetings, for full details go to the County’s website musselshellcounty.gov and visit our YouTube channel.)
There being no further business Commissioner Turley made the motion to adjourn. Commissioner Goffena seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Signed this 17th day of July 2026